Compact Modular Electric Bicycle Test Bench

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing test benches for electric bicycles are large, inflexible, and time-consuming, making them unsuitable for small workshops and unable to effectively test various types of electric bicycles, particularly in simulating human pedaling and interaction between electrical and mechanical components.

Innovation Solution

A compact, modular test bench that simulates human pedaling by driving the pedal crank non-uniformly or uniformly, includes an actuating device for gear shifts, and features a fixing device for secure clamping, allowing for precise and efficient testing of electric bicycles without the need for complex setup or disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a conventional test bench is used to test electric bicycles, then testing can be performed, but the test bench is large and not suitable for small workshops

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest bench sizeVSAvoidworkshop compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The test bench is divided into separate functional modules: a driver module that can be positioned independently, a fixing device for the bicycle, and a control system. This segmentation allows the overall system to occupy less space while maintaining full functionality, making it suitable for small workshops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The driver is designed to act on the pedal crank from a lateral position rather than requiring the bicycle to be positioned under a overhead mechanism. This spatial reconfiguration reduces the footprint of the test bench while maintaining testing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of time

If a conventional test bench is used to test electric bicycles, then testing can be performed, but it takes a lot of time to fix the electric bicycle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebicycle setup timeVSAvoidbicycle fixation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device is pre-configured with adjustable clamps and mounting points that are ready to receive the bicycle frame. The driver is pre-positioned to engage with the pedal crank, eliminating the need for complex assembly during bicycle setup and reducing fixation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If uniform pedal crank rotation is used in testing, then simple constant speed testing is possible, but it cannot simulate human pedaling and detect control differences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepedaling simulation capabilityVSAvoiddriver control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The driver is designed to vary its rotational speed dynamically during the pedaling cycle, accelerating during the downstroke and decelerating during the upstroke. This dynamic motion profile simulates human pedaling patterns, enabling the detection of control differences in electric bicycle assistance systems while using a relatively simple driver mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3160834B1Apparatus for testing electric bicycles
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 GROOS NICOLA
  • EP3160834B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3160834B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3160834B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus (100) for testing electric bicycles (200) which can be driven by way of pedalling and/or an electric motor (216), having a driver (110) which can be driven by means of a driver drive (113) for driving a pedal crank (205) or a chain ring or a gearwheel disc of an electric bicycle to be tested in order to provide a rotational movement of the pedal crank (205) or the chain ring or the gearwheel disc, and a testing device (150) for testing the influence of the provided rotational movement on the electric motor (216) and/or a battery (218) which interacts with the latter, wherein the driver drive (213) is configured to selectively provide a uniform or a non-uniform rotational movement of the pedal crank or the chain ring or the gearwheel disc.